In keeping with ICEA's philosophy of "freedom of choice based on knowledge of alternatives," ICEA workshops focus on developing effective teaching techniques and applying adult education principles to childbirth classes rather than advocating specific content for childbirth education classes. With the material presented, the participants increase their capability of developing appropriate class curriculum and differing their teaching style to meet the individual needs of each class.

This workshop, when combined with the required readings and program prerequisites, will train women to provide support to childbearing women and their families. The main role of the doula is to "mother the mother," thereby providing the hands-on physical and emotional support which will guide her throughout her birth and early parenting experience. Attending the entire workshop will meet the contact hour requirements for ICEA doula certification.

Please bring a pillow and wear comfortable clothing throughout the workshop.

DATES AND LOCATIONS

Exact workshop meeting room name, location, and hotel information will be sent with workshop registration confirmation. A limited block of sleeping rooms have been reserved for workshop participants at a hotel near the workshop location.

Buffalo, New York USA - October 23-25, in conjunction with ICEA 2008 International Convention. ICEA 2008 International Convention Training Track. NOTE: Registration materials for the ICEA 2008 International Convention, including the Doula and Labor Support Training Workshop held in conjunction with the convention, will be available in the spring of 2008.

DAILY SCHEDULE
DAY ONE

Introducing the Doula

• Describe the work of the doula in relationship to the mother, her companion(s) and family, and to the place of birth.
  

• Discuss the benefits of labor support, and in specific, the benefits of the use of a doula.
  

• Identify the personal and professional objectives for becoming a doula.
  

• Explain the impact doulas will have on the lives of the families they support.
  

Meeting Your Clients

• Practice an initial client interview.
  

• Create a list of community-based pregnancy and birth resources for their clients.
  

• Assess the needs of a prospective client.
  

• Assist a client to develop her own birth plan.
  

• Work with a client to create a list of mutual expectations.
  

Transcending the Labor Curve

• Describe the process of labor and birth.
  

• Describe the emotional impact of labor and birth on the mother and her companion.
  

• Identify the limitations of the traditional view of the birth process.
  

• Discuss three ways to assist women to integrate the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of their birth experience.
  

• Describe the physiological mechanisms of labor pain.
  

• Compare and contrast pharmacological and nonpharmacological coping methods for labor.
  

• Describe the use of epidural anesthesia during labor.
  

• Practice several labor support strategies for women who have epidurals.
  

• Describe the use of heat and cold and water for comfort in labor.
  

Practicing the Art of Labor Support - Relaxation and Breathing

• Relate labor comfort strategies to current research.
  

• Demonstrate several methods of relaxation and breathing for comfort in labor.
  

• Describe the benefits of various positions and activity levels during labor.

DAY TWO

Practicing the Art of Labor Support - Massage and Visualization

• Demonstrate massage techniques for comfort in labor.
  

• Practice using visualization techniques for comfort in labor.
  

• Integrate knowledge of labor and support skills by participating in labor scenarios.
  

• Select several musical selections which could be used during labor.
  

Birthing the Baby

• Describe the process of birthing the baby - descent, pushing, birth.
  

• Demonstrate several positions for birth.
  

• Practice several ways to assist a woman with an intact perineum.
  

• Demonstrate ways to support a woman who is giving birth spontaneously.
  

• Demonstrate ways to assist a woman who has had an epidural to birth her baby.
  

• Demonstrate several techniques for birthing the baby, including physiologic birth.
  

Welcoming the New Family

• Describe the infant's sleep-wake cycle during the first 24 hours after birth.
  

• Describe three ways to assess appropriate breastfeeding in the early postpartum period.
  

• Describe three ways to assist a new mother to begin the process of physical restoration during the early postpartum period.
  

• Identify three ways to encourage the new mother to integrate the baby's birth as part of her life experience.
  

• Compare and contrast maternal and paternal adaptation to parenthood.
  

• Facilitate parental attachment to the baby by introducing the baby's characteristics and capabilities to the parents.
  

• Describe three abnormal emotional responses to birth, including their definitions, treatment alternatives, warning signs and strategies for intervention.
  

Coping with the Unusual

• Describe the doula's role in a difficult or prolonged labor, or when there is an emergency.
  

• Describe the role of the doula before, during and after a cesarean birth.
  

• Discuss ways to adapt labor support techniques to meet the needs of women with special needs: adolescents, those who are physically challenged, addicted, HIV-positive or have been physically or emotionally abused.
  

• Practice strategies to help families who have experienced an unexpected outcome.

DAY THREE

Managing Practical Matters

• Describe the scope of practice of the doula.
  

• Describe three ways to market a doula practice.
  

• Identify parameters for documentation and billing.
  

• List three ways to establish and maintain professional relationships.
  

• Identify three professional organizations which train and support doulas.
  

• Discuss ways to create a supportive network of friends and colleagues.